Defunct computer and video game companies

This category contains defunct computer and video game companies. Video game developers and video game publisher work in a volatile market with demanding customers and slim profit margins. As a result, many spring up and go out of business quickly.

Some of the companies on this list will indeed never be heard from again in the future. Others have been purchased by larger companies, and their brand names and legacy games continue to be used, though the development and publishing operations of the original company itself no longer continue. For examples of the latter situation, see Origin Systems, Sierra Entertainment, and Westwood Studios.